Description
These Orange Cranberry Ricotta Cookies are soft, cake-like treats bursting with citrus flavor and studded with tart dried cranberries. Made with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh orange zest, they offer a moist texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness, making them a delightful dessert or holiday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese, whole milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, softened butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Flavorings and Egg: Add the egg, orange zest, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the chopped dried cranberries into the cookie dough to evenly distribute them without breaking their shape.
- Scoop and Space Dough: Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft and cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- For a festive touch, drizzle cookies with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice.
- You can substitute lemon zest and juice for orange to create a different citrus flavor variation.
